A Grand Achievement
This is it, friends. This is THE Disneyland hotel for those who want luxury and top-notch amenities when staying at the Happiest Place on Earth.
The Grand Californian is Disneyland's flagship hotel, offering nearly everything you'd expect from a top-tier hotel near Mickey Mouse. It has amazing rooms, beautiful pools, a stunning design, it’s at a walking distance to the theme parks, features great restaurants, and offers character dining. It’s as if Tinker Bell decided to sprinkle five tons of pixie dust over the entire place. Everything is fantastic, so after reading this, you probably know the main drawback, right? Yep, it’s the price.
What we like about the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Let’s say it upfront: there’s a lot to like about this hotel. If price isn’t a factor, this is definitely the best hotel at Disneyland, offering top-notch… uh… well, everything! It’s hard to find something to complain about. The hotel looks absolutely gorgeous, with classic architecture inspired by American national parks, paying homage to California's past with dark, rich wood and giant fireplaces that gives it a similar feel to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
For such a luxurious and expensive resort, the dining options do not disappoint. There are multiple table-service restaurants, including Napa Rose and Storyteller’s Cafe. Storyteller’s Cafe even features Disney characters during breakfast and brunch. Want more? You can also experience the “Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures” at Napa Rose, where you can meet and take pictures with several princesses. The dining options at the Grand Californian are truly impressive, so much so that guests from the Disneyland Hotel and the Pixar Place Hotel often come here just to dine.
The pools are also excellent. There are three pools in total, including one designed primarily for children and a main pool featuring multiple waterslides. You’ll also find poolside cabanas available for rent, great bars for enjoying a drink while you sunbathe, a splash pool with a water play area for kids and much more. The area itself is gorgeous, with hardwood accents and small waterfalls throughout, making it feel as if you’re truly inside a national park.
Let’s not forget that staying at the Grand Californian Hotel comes with some fantastic perks. One of these is the opportunity to enter Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure 30 minutes before the gates officially open. Another great perk is the hotel’s proximity to both theme parks, including a private entrance to Downtown Disney and Disney California Adventure. Seriously, you can walk to Disneyland Park in as little as 5 minutes!
The rooms are fantastic, as you’d expect from a flagship resort. Standard rooms come with balconies, and every room feels elegant, classy, and luxurious. Guests frequently describe the beds as extremely comfortable. While rooms tend to be a bit smaller for the price you’re paying, everything is top-notch, and the views are often incredible.
Oh, and let’s not forget that there’s so much more to enjoy at the Grand Californian, from a spacious gym and full-service spa to movies under the stars, kids’ activities, drawing classes, and hotel tours.
What we don’t like about the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
The main issue with the Grand Californian is really easy to see: it’s expensive. Rooms typically start at around $700 per night, excluding taxes. Occasionally, you might find a deal for $600, but that’s rare. During the busy season, rates can easily reach $850 or more per night. Yeah, that’s a lot.
All in all, the Grand Californian is amazing. It has amazing swimming pools, some of the best restaurants at Disneyland, comfortable rooms with cozy beds and an atmosphere that is just unbeatable. This is the place truly envisioned by Mickey Mouse - sorry, Disneyland Hotel!
Grand Californian Hotel & Spa FAQ
How much is a room at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa?
Rooms typically start at $700 per night at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Does the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offer character dining?
Yes! Two restaurants provide character dining experiences: Napa Rose, featuring Disney princess encounters, and Storytellers Cafe, where you can meet classic Disney characters.
Can I walk from the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa to Disneyland?
Yes! Disneyland is just about a 5-minute walk from the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
Is there a swimming pool at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa?
Yes! The resort features three different pools. One is primarily designed for kids, while another has multiple waterslides. There are also splash zones for younger children and several whirlpools.
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